Want to become better

My parents did not baptize me. I grew up away from faith, while wondering about the meaning of life. I liked to read Western philosophers.

Three years ago, after the COVID-19 period and several personal events, including the birth of my daughter, I lost confidence in the institutions of society. I lacked rooting and said to myself: “Why is this two thousand year religion made fun of the media and some of my loved ones?” »»

Arrested by my grandparents, engaged in their parish, I read the New Testament and found nothing shocking, on the contrary. I dialogued with priests and a Catholic friend, who opened my eyes. The texts appeared to me more and more beautiful. It was difficult because I had to deconstruct the ambient speech. By dint of reading, speaking and praying, I realized that I had faith.

Separated from my partner and our little daughter, I decided to make the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle on a go, from my home, in the summer of 2023. The priest of my parish sent me on a pilgrimage during a mass, and I had my credencial buffer. I wondered: “Will I ask for baptism?” In eight days, it was clear; I wanted to become Catholic. After three weeks of walking, I experienced an overwhelming prayer, in a convent.

The question came back, “Why are you going?” Images crossed me. I cried. Suddenly, I understood that I was there for my daughter, my ex-companion and for me; To become a better someone. It was my truth, very simple: to love better.

Having become catechumen* in October 2023, I was accompanied by a priest every month. I like to go to mass, sing, collect myself, listen to the homily and receive the blessing. It’s beautiful, it’s holy and it’s good. The rules of life of the Bible attract me. I would like to transmit faith to my daughter.

During a recent prayer, an inner word made me cry: “I’m going to give you a hand. I believe God by my side. Christ calls me personally and sometimes it scares. I carried the purple stole received during my decisive call every day of Lent, experienced with all my being in view of my baptism at Easter night. I am happy to become a Christian and Catholic.

* Person preparing for baptism through a whole course. The stage of “” the decisive call »» takes place on the 1st Sunday of Lent.